Family Home Evening Ideas

FHE for Young Single Adults

As part of my calling in a student ward in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, I help plan and coordinate weekly family home evenings for the entire ward. Here are examples of some of our more successful ideas:

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General Conference Testimonies: After general conference, we have an informal testimony meeting of what we learned or impressions we had during general conference, then play “General Conference Jeopardy.”

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Skit Night: We bring a variety of random props and divide members into different groups. We give them a theme, and then they act out an improvised skit using the props they have been given.

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Lesson on the Iron Rod: After discussing the need to hold to the word of God, each of us goes through the “iron rod” obstacle course. We are blindfolded and follow a string line (the iron rod) around various physical obstacles in order to safely reach the finish.

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Service Auction: Members donate “services” they are willing to offer that can be auctioned off. The currency with which they bid is “earned” through things they’ve done in the preceding week: reading the scriptures, writing in journals, and other tasks all earn “money” that can be used in the auction.

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Sports: We enjoy popular sports like soccer or basketball, but variations on these games, such as “chair soccer,” are also fun.

We try to maintain a balance of activities that include service, physical activity, arts and culture, and spiritual instruction. And of course, we always include a hymn, opening and closing prayers, a spiritual thought, and ward announcements at each activity.

I am convinced that family home evening is an essential part of the Lord’s work in our day, even in a young single adult setting. It strengthens the valiant, encourages the apathetic, develops positive friendships, and attracts the pure in heart to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“All Things in Wisdom and Order,” on page 55: As you teach the lesson, invite family members to listen for ways to do things “in wisdom and order” as taught by King Benjamin. Consider discussing how following the five principles can help us avoid the trap of comparing ourselves with others.

Q&A: Ward Unity, on page 48: After reading some of the experiences from the article, consider having family members role-play different ways to reach out to others in your ward. You could also role-play how to take the initiative to get to know those around you. This is a good opportunity to reinforce positive social skills.

“Being Worthy to Enter the Temple,” on page 12: As part of the lesson, you could discuss the temple recommend topics listed in the article. Invite family members to ponder these topics as you read the article. Encourage everyone to be worthy of worshipping in the temple.

“Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream,” on page 26: Review the article with your family. At the conclusion, President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, asks us to reread 1 Nephi 8 and other verses in the Book of Mormon that teach the plan of salvation. Consider reading these scriptures and reflecting on the promise given by President Packer.